Suffolk Show: Organisers of agricultural showpiece eagerly awaiting the arrival of Prince Harry to the Suffolk Show

After a successful first day filled with displays, exhibitions and stalls, officials at the Suffolk Show are now eagerly awaiting the arrival of Prince Harry to Trinity Park today, as the annual agricultural showpiece draws to a close.

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Suffolk show day 1
The Osborne refrigerator double harness scurry

Despite torrential downpours earlier this week the show has gone ahead and people turned up in their thousands yesterday to get a taste of all the event had to offer.

It is hoped a bumper crowd will turn out today as Harry, who served at Wattisham Airfield for his Apache helicopter pilot training, makes an appearance as part of a visit to the area.

Suffolk Show director Bill Baker said: “Yesterday was a great success story. The day before, with heavy rain, made it a struggle to set up but there was a superb atmosphere.

“It’s been perfect Suffolk Show weather, despite there being no sun. And With Prince Harry coming today, everyone is very excited. It will be a great honour for us and the county. We’ve had royal visitors before, Princess Diana in 1986, and I expect today to be another great day.”

The Suffolk Show is worth millions of pounds to Suffolk’s economy and it was hoped that about 90,000 people would walk through the gates of Trinity park over the event.

With forecasters predicting a relatively dry day with highs of 17C and just a small chance of showers, the organisers will be hopeul they make that mark.

As well as the brighter weather and the Royal visit, there will also be plenty of attractions for people to enjoy today.

This includes the Shetland Pony Grand National at 3.35pm and a cattle parade and prize giving.

Before heading to the show, Prince Harry was due to visit the Ipswich-based charity Inspire Suffolk, which recently moved to its new premises on the site of the former Holywells High School, in Lindbergh Road.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Inspire Suffolk CEO, Terry Baxter, said: “I am both delighted and honoured that HRH Prince Harry will visit our new home (on Thursday), to witness elements of the valuable work we undertake with Suffolk’s young people.

“Although we have operated as a charity in the county for over 10 years, we are just six months on from a re-brand and relocation of our base.

“I have no doubt that the visit by His Royal Highness will provide further motivation for everyone involved with our charity to continue to use sport to motivate, engage, educate and inspire Suffolk’s young people who are in need.”

For more on the Suffolk Show, see our webpage and share your photos on Twitter using #SuffolkShow

Dramatic increases in the average age of people in Suffolk have been highlighted in a report which reveals that in some areas nearly one in 10 are expected to be aged 85 or over in the next two decades.